Idaho's Education Funding: A Closer Look at the Shortfall

Idaho's public schools are facing a significant challenge. The state's funding model for K-12 education doesn't account for the extra needs of students with special requirements. This means districts with a higher number of these students are left with a substantial funding gap. The state's funding formula is based on average daily attendance and doesn't adjust for the percentage of students with special needs, English learners, or those from low-income households. Special education is a big part of this issue. In 2023, 81 districts spent more on special education than they received from the state. This created a total funding gap of $82. 2 million. To make up for this, districts often have to divert funds from other areas or rely on supplemental levies. The state provides extra funding for special education assuming a flat rate of 5. 8% of students in the district, but the reality is that 11. 5% of students in Idaho are in special education. The state provides around 1. 2 times more state funding per student in special education than for the general student population. This is behind neighboring states. For example, Utah provides 2. 43 times the funding for special education, while Washington and Oregon spend 2. 06 times and 1. 73 times the funding respectively. English learners are another group that faces funding challenges. Idaho provides $228 for each English learner, which is far behind nearly all its neighbors. For instance, Nevada provides $4, 236 per student, and Oregon provides $5, 374 per student. English learners are most common in urban districts, but some mid-sized "town districts" also show an overrepresentation of English learners. Idaho is one of seven states that does not provide dedicated funding for students from low-income families. Around 44% of students in remote districts and 42% of rural districts are identified as low-income. The federal government does provide some funding to districts and schools serving primarily low-income students through the Title I program. However, the report did not expand on costs to educate low-income students or potential gaps in funding. Gifted and talented students are also a concern. Idaho code requires that schools meet the needs of "gifted and talented" students. In the 2022-23 school year, 56% of districts identified gifted and talented students. However, budget reductions related to COVID-19 resulted in a deprioritizing of gifted and talented curriculum. The funding gap is a critical issue that needs to be addressed. It's important for the state to re-evaluate its funding model to ensure that all students, regardless of their needs, receive the education they deserve.